The rare Beetle offered here is the Standard model, which was sold strictly in the European market and never exported to the United States. This model, as its name indicates, differs from the Deluxe in that all of its metal trim, plated on the U.S. models, is instead finished in body color. In addition, per factory specifications, the 1952 Type 1 Standard Sedan had no VW emblems or center hood strip, as well as no bright trim on the doors, quarter panels, hubcaps, or running boards. Even the outside door handles were painted body color! The 1952 models are also distinguished by their rare bumper guards, which are seen only on this year’s Beetles. Even the horn differs on this Standard model; it is carried on the driver’s side front bumper bracket and is the very unusual Robert Bosch unit.

Verifying this car’s identity as a rare 1952 model is a copy of the Florida title, which carries this chassis number; also note the small bump in the roof, centered above the windshield, intended to carry a Hirschmann antenna. This “bump” is seen only on Beetles produced prior to October 1952. Similarly, the car carries a genuine VW “Pope’s nose” license-plate light and round taillights, which were also discontinued in October, as well as the proper early-style ribbed semaphore turn signals. Also present are an auxiliary additional brake light and a matching reverse light mounted near the passenger-side round taillight (the taillights changed to “heart lights” in October 1952).

The car has been refinished in its original, beautiful color, Jupiter Grey, with refinished German 16-inch steel wheels with matching factory hubcaps, shod in brand-new correct European Excelsior cross-ply tires. Other special features include the well-preserved steel German license plates of this era and the U.S. Air Force badge by the driver’s side taillight.

Even the engine of this superior Beetle is correct and has undergone only its first rebuild, performed by Import Parts of Medford, Oregon. It has the proper, rare Bosch distributor, the “T” can air cleaner with new felt liner, and many other proper and correct fittings.

One of the best and most authentically finished examples stateside of this extraordinarily rare early Beetle, this is a crown jewel for any VW enthusiast’s collection.